Prepare for the long-awaited arrival of the new Superman. Following numerous speculations, the casting for DC’s highly anticipated film, Superman: Legacy, has finally been confirmed for its titular hero.
Among the names swirling around the project since its inception, David Corenswet of Pearl fame emerged as a frontrunner. Even before the casting process began, Corenswet had garnered a significant fan following, thanks to his striking resemblance to the blue-eyed, square-jawed Man of Steel.
It appears that he possesses the acting prowess to match. In a fierce competition against other contenders like Nicholas Hoult and Tom Brittney, Corenswet emerged victorious.
Introducing a new Superman offered an opportunity to tell the story from a fresh perspective, perhaps with a hero who defied the archetypal, All-American image traditionally associated with Big Blue.
While superheroes from various racial backgrounds have taken up the mantle of Superman throughout the years, Clark Kent, the OG Superman, has always been portrayed as a white individual.
There is nothing inherently wrong with that, but it becomes difficult to muster enthusiasm for yet another white Superman when non-white heroes still face challenges in securing their place in genres such as science fiction and fantasy, even in major cinematic adaptations.
DC is reportedly exploring the idea of a Black Superman movie, with Ta-Nehisi Coates and J.J. Abrams leading the project. However, it is highly unlikely that this Superman will be Clark Kent.
Transforming Clark Kent into a Black, Hispanic, or Asian character would undoubtedly upset the predominantly white fanbase that plays a crucial role in sustaining the superhero industry.
This reality can be frustrating, regardless of how one looks at it. While Corenswet may be a perfect fit for the role, his casting felt like a continuation of the status quo to a longtime fan of the genre, like myself, who had hoped for a revolutionary reimagining of the character.
However, my perspective shifted when I recognized that Corenswet’s heritage actually pays homage to a specific but often overlooked aspect of Superman’s origins.
Corenswet is the first actor of Jewish descent to portray Superman—an achievement that has been a long time coming, given the character’s deep roots in Jewish culture.
Superman’s creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, were themselves Jewish and drew inspiration from countless figures in folklore, including Moses, Samson, and the golem, while crafting the hero’s origin story.
According to Roy Schwartz, the author of “Is Superman Circumcised?,” Superman was a “personal avatar” for Siegel and Shuster—a direct response to the rising anti-Semitism during World War II.
His journey mirrored the experiences of their families, who were immigrants torn between two cultures. This significance should not be disregarded, especially considering Hollywood’s tendency to overlook the Jewish heritage of many superheroes.
“Superman is an American icon, but he is also a Jewish American icon, reminding us that being an immigrant is a quintessentially American experience,” recently remarked Schwartz during an interview with Unpacked.
While the character has always represented the immigrant experience in some form, Superman: Legacy represents a promising step forward, even if it may be subtle and behind the scenes.